How to Go to College for Free 💸

Hey y'all,

I still remember the day my brother got his acceptance to Yale through QuestBridge. The entire house erupted. My mom was in tears, my dad was speechless, and I was jumping around on FaceTime like I'd gotten in myself.

What made this moment even more special? The financial aid package. He essentially had the opportunity to attend Yale for free.

(He ultimately chose Harvard, which also offered an incredible aid package, but that's a story for another day.)

This experience taught me something crucial that I wish more students understood: some of the most prestigious colleges in the country can also be the most affordable.

The College Cost Conundrum 💰

Let's talk numbers for a second. The average cost of attendance at a private four-year university hovers around $60,000 per year. For public universities, in-state students pay about $28,000 annually, while out-of-state students face costs closer to $45,000.

But here's what many don't realize: very few students actually pay the full "sticker price." What you'll actually pay—the "net price"—can be dramatically lower depending on your family's financial situation.

This is especially true at well-endowed institutions like the Ivy League schools, Stanford, MIT, and others with significant financial resources. Many of these schools have adopted policies to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

That means if you get in, they'll make sure you can afford to attend.

QuestBridge: The Game-Changer 🌉

QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects exceptional low-income students with full four-year scholarships to some of America's best colleges. And when I say full, I mean full—tuition, room, board, books, and sometimes even travel expenses.

The program primarily serves students whose families earn less than $65,000 annually, though there's flexibility based on family circumstances.

The application process works differently from regular admissions:

1. You apply to QuestBridge first (deadline typically in late September)

2. If you're selected as a finalist, you can rank up to 15 partner colleges

3. If you match with a school, you receive a full scholarship and are committed to attend (it's binding now, unlike when my brother applied)

Even if you don't match, being a QuestBridge finalist gives you a significant advantage when applying through regular decision to these same schools.

Financial Aid Demystified 📝

There are two main types of financial aid you should know about:

Need-based aid is determined by your family's financial situation. This is where programs like QuestBridge focus, and it's also what elite universities primarily offer. The less your family can contribute, the more aid you receive.

Merit-based aid is awarded for academic achievements, special talents, or other accomplishments regardless of financial need. Public universities and less-selective private colleges typically offer more merit aid than the most elite schools.

To access these different types of aid, you'll need to fill out financial aid forms:

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for any federal aid, including Pell Grants and federal loans. Every student should complete this form.

The CSS Profile is an additional form required by many private colleges to determine institutional aid. While the FAFSA looks at basic income and assets, the CSS digs deeper into your family's financial picture.

The Elite College Paradox 🤔

Too many talented students don't even apply to top schools because they assume they can't afford them. This is especially true for low-income and first-generation students who might not have access to guidance counselors familiar with these opportunities.

The reality is far more encouraging than most realize:

• Harvard is tuition-free for families earning up to $200,000 annually. They'll also cover housing costs if your family makes under $100K.

• Princeton provides full financial aid to families earning under $100K.

• Dartmouth offers full aid to families under $125K.

• Yale offers full aid to families under $75K.

These policies make these prestigious institutions potentially less expensive than your state school for many families.

If you have any questions about the admissions process, feel free to DM me on Instagram (@goharsguide). I won’t be able to respond to everyone, but I’ll do my best!

If you want study help, come join my Discord! We have a global community of students helping each other succeed in school. I’d love to see you there.

If you’re ready to level up this school year, check out Scholar OS. It’s the ultimate Notion template designed to help you organize your classes and life in one place.

I’ll see you next week!

Best,
Gohar